IEM spikers brace for tougher V-League test next year

Pushed to the limit in its conquest of the first-ever Shakey’s V-League men’s crown, Instituto Estetico Manila expects a tougher challenge from a bigger field when it goes for back-to-back next year. “It’s a proud and heartwarming feeling to become the first champion in the Shakey’s V-League,” said Instituto coach Ernesto Balubar after the Volley Masters beat the Systema Active Smashers in a thriller of a sudden death, 25-21, 24-26, 25-22, 14-25, 15-12, at The Arena in San Juan on Sunday. Sports Vision, organizer of the country’s premier women’s volley league the past 11 years, has put up the men’s division this year as part of its effort to boost the sport among men.